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It costs hardly anything ($2 a gallon or less on sale); it's available in every grocery store in the universe; and it's so useful around your home you are going to have a hard time believing it. That's the power of vinegar. Yep, plain, cheap, 5 percent acidity white vinegar.

Buying things when they're on sale is a great way to avoid overspending. But unless you are diligent to take the difference between the regular price and the sale price and actually deposit that into a savings account, are you really saving money?

Nope. You're just spending less. And you can spend less right through your entire paycheck.

The only thing better than making things myself is when what I make turns out to be cheaper, better and faster than something I could buy in the store to accomplish the same goal. That makes me so happy!

Dear Mary: I love, love, love the homemade Tub and Shower Soap Scum Remover. It works better than any product I have ever used. Our tubs and ...Read more

Every day, my inbox loads up with messages -- many of which contain questions from you, my dear "Everyday Cheapskate" readers. And if you've sent a message, you are aware by now that while I read my mail and keep it filed, I just do not have enough time in my days to answer every message personally. However, once each week I reach into that file...Read more

Sometimes the best way to save a buck is to look in the most unlikely places. I'm a huge fan of the fresh produce at my local 99 Cents Only store. And milk, as compared with the price at my supermarket, is a bargain at the Walgreens across the street. But who knew we could decorate our homes using items from places like Dollar General? Our first...Read more

Does this happen to you: You get so involved in doing something that you completely lose track of time? You're shocked to look up and see it's time to go home when it feels like you just got back from lunch? Or you sit down to start reading a book and suddenly you're on chapter 21?

Happens to me when I open my email inbox. I can blow through ...Read more

From BookDaily.com

The mysterious disappearance of media mogul Connie Ross during a party
on her yacht exposes a web of dark and twisted secrets. Jimmy Frail,
Chief of Detectives, suspecting foul play and the potential media
circus, partners a most unlikely pair of detectives. Gigi ...

In these high-tech times when text messaging and email are the preferred methods of written communication, it might not have even crossed your mind to ask this important question: Do I have to send a thank-you note when someone gives me a gift?

In a word, yes. It's right; it's proper; and it's good for you. We may be frugal, but we've got class...Read more

When our boys were only toddlers, we planned a Family Christmas Party with our best friends one year, to be held in early December. We called it that even though our two families are not technically related. We invited two sets of grandparents and one other older couple, as well.

Our common bond? Five adorable kids and all the grown-ups who ...Read more

One of the best ways to recycle responsibly -- and save a few bucks at the same time -- is to find a second life for something you might otherwise toss in the trash. Some ideas are pretty well-known, like using plastic grocery bags for trash can liners and the lid from a liquid detergent container for a biscuit cutter. So, when a reader sends in...Read more

In a recent column, I suggested to a reader that quartz countertops would be a good choice in her quest to find the most durable and easily cared for option, because quartz doesn't stain, doesn't require any kind of sealant and cleans up like a dream. And it's cheaper than granite. In no time, I received this email response:

Carpet stains are near the top of my personal list of pet peeves. I'm not talking about an accidental spill that when addressed quickly can be successfully removed. In fact, I get a lot of satisfaction from being able to tackle an accidental spill or mysterious spot on carpet, forcing it to disappear never to be seen again. What I'm talking ...Read more

Recently, I caught a memorable episode of "The View." Deborah Norville, whom I recalled from her stints on the "Today" show and "Inside Edition," was a guest promoting her book, "Thank You Power: Making the Science of Gratitude Work for You."

I was immediately taken by Norville's self-assurance and passion for her message.